Rodeo Fans to Enjoy a Variety of On-Site Entertainment Prior to and Following the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo

LAS VEGAS

When rodeo fans arrive at the Thomas & Mack Center for the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo, they will have multiple entertainment options to enjoy prior to and following each rodeo performance. Known as the richest and most prestigious rodeo on the world, the Wrangler NFR runs from Thursday, Dec. 1 through Saturday, Dec. 10.

For ease of travel, rodeo fans have the option of utilizing the complimentary NFR Express Shuttle Bus service from 23 sponsor hotel properties and Cowboy Christmas. Upon arrival, fans will be greeted with rodeo-themed areas extending both outside the arena and within the confines of the building.

On the outer grounds of the Thomas & Mack Center, the ProRodeo Zone will greet fans with PRCA sponsor-activation tents and live music. As fans move toward the entrance, they will pass through the NFR Fan Zone, an area that includes additional sponsor tents, the official PRCA and Wrangler NFR merchandise trailer, food and beverage options, video screens and tables for attendees to congregate.

Further enhancing the fan experience, two new outdoor video boards added to the face of the arena will broadcast Wrangler NFR moments, highlight videos, interactive content and contestant interviews.

With the renovation of the Thomas & Mack Center now complete, one of the arena’s highlights is the new 36,000-square-foot hospitality area at the northwest end of the arena. During the Wrangler NFR, the space will be known as The ‘Shoe and will feature interactive areas, the Walk of Champions, saddle displays and a 2,500-square-foot, glass-enclosed balcony with Strip views. The ‘Shoe will also be the site of CBS Sports Network’s rodeo pre-show and autograph sessions with rodeo legends. Access to The ‘Shoe is availble to all fans with a Wrangler NFR ticket for that evening’s performance and also will feature the live broadcast of the rodeo each night, including a large-screen projection.

Meanwhile, on the arena’s southeast side opposite The ‘Shoe, fans can enjoy all the activities and amenities of the returning Cowboy Corral, which takes over the adjacent Cox Pavilion with live music, a huge bar and plenty of space to sit and relax or kick up your heels. The live entertainment will include Genevieve Allen performing Dec. 1 – 3, Left of Centre taking the stage Dec. 4 – 6 and The Brit Stokes Band playing Dec. 7 – 10. Each will perform live prior to and following the rodeo performance.

A new, similarly named space, The Corral, which is an extension of the Cowboy Corral, will offer its own bar and food service and the Hall of Legends featuring tributes to NFR champions.

The entertainment will continue throughout the evening as fans begin to settle into their seats. Prior to each performance, there will be an opening act, followed by the singing of the National Anthem. The attention will then turn to the dirt, as the best contestants in the world test their skills and seek the coveted Gold Buckle, awarded to the world champions.

Sold out for 300 consecutive performances at the Thomas & Mack Center, the Wrangler NFR attracts the top 15 contestants in bareback riding, steer wrestling, team roping, saddle bronc riding, tie-down roping, barrel racing, and bull riding. Under the new contract with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association that runs through 2024, the purse is now $10 million. Qualification is based on the 2016 PRCA World Standings.

For more information on the Wrangler NFR, please visit www.NFRexperience.com or through social media at /LasVegasNFR and use #WranglerNFR.

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